The Ultimate Throwback to my 20’s and Early 30’s Book Series

When I was a bit younger, these books were EVERYTHING. I absolutely adored them and literally DEVOURED them as soon as each one was released. There are 8 total books in the Shopaholic series (not including a short story which Kinsella wrote midway through the books). The synopsis below is for the first book in the series to give an idea of what the series is about.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London’s trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season’s must-haves. The only trouble is, she can’t actually afford it—not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Saving magazine not only bores her to tears, it doesn’t pay much at all. And lately Becky’s been chased by dismal letters from the bank—letters with large red sums she can’t bear to read. She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeeds. Her only consolation is to buy herself something . . . just a little something.

Finally a story arises that Becky actually cares about, and her front-page article catalyzes a chain of events that will transform her life—and the lives of those around her—forever.

My Thoughts:

4 Stars

If I were to choose a fictional best friend to be my real life bestie, my answer will always and forever be Becky Bloomwood. She’s absolutely hilarious, extraordinarily spontaneous, adorably flighty, and completely lovable. In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that Becky Bloomwood is quite possibly the most likable and adorable book character ever created.

These books were absolute staples for me when I was in my 20’s and early 30’s. Becky and I went though all of life’s milestones together–the serious relationship, the wedding, the home ownership, the babies, etc. I savored each book and read them as soon as they were released. Some books were definitely better than others but overall they combine to create an adorable collection.

DISCLAIMER: I do have to wonder if I would appreciate them in the same way if I read them for the first time now that I’m in my 40’s?

I actually read many of these twice in anticipation of the movie release in 2009. The movie itself proved to be a big disappointment but the books were just as wonderful to read for the 2nd time as they were the 1st.

I always loved the relationship that Becky had with her best friend Sus and I always loved the characters of Becky’s parents! Reading about day to day life in England (where the majority of this series takes place) always fascinated me.

I read Shopaholic to the Stars: A Novel (affiliate) when it came out roughly 4 years ago and it was like reuniting with an old friend! I was instantly brought back into the lives of the characters that I had said good-bye to so many years earlier. Loved it.

These books are NOT award winning in any way. The writing is simple and the story lines can get a bit ridiculous. However, the characters are boldly colorful and extremely likable. Very quick and easy reads which will forever hold a special place in my heart!

And on a side note…Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I have a definite obsession with wearing scarves. I truly think that Becky Bloomwood and her beloved green scarf might just be where all of that started.

Bottom Line

These are simple, adorable books which will forever hold a special place in my heart. Writing this review is making me want to read all of them again from the beginning. I adore you and miss you, Becky Bloomwood!

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I LOVE the Shopaholic series so much. The first one remains one of my favourite books of all time. I definitely agree with you about the movie. I felt like they completely changed the characters, particularly Becky’s parents. I love that Becky’s scarf obsession sparked yours 🙂 I had the same thing with Kate Spade handbags. I remember reading book 2 when I was in my teens and she bought one in New York, and I vowed that one day I was going to do that too. And then as an adult I did 🙂 Which book is your favourite in the series? I might have to do a re-read sometime soon too.

Love this comment so much! Thank you for leaving it 🙂 I honestly don’t know which book is my favorite, I just love them all so much. I do remember not loving the one where she meets her sister as much as the others? I loved when she went to New York and I love that you now have your Kate Spade because of it 🙂

You’re welcome! 🙂 I love them all too, though I think the first one will always be the most special to me 🙂 Yeah I think the sister one is probably my least favourite too – I still liked it, but her sister irritated me so much that I felt frustrated all the way through reading it haha.